Gangtok: The Citizen Action Party-Sikkim (CAP-S) has unveiled its new election symbol, a powerful emblem it has named Nagrik. The word, meaning ‘citizen’ in Hindi, is more than just a symbol; the party says it is a clear message about its core belief in democracy, equality, and inclusive governance.
This week, CAP-S officially revealed the symbol, stating its goal is to communicate to all of Sikkim that the future of the state must be shaped by its people, working together.
The Nagrik symbol is a visual tribute to the diverse population of Sikkim. It depicts three distinct figures: a man in a simple cap, a woman in a traditional sari, and a person representing the transgender and broader gender communities.
According to the party, these figures are not just drawings but reflections of the state’s ordinary citizens—individuals with dignity, dreams, and a shared desire for a better Sikkim. The party’s press team explained that the symbol encapsulates multiple, deeply held principles.
At its heart, the symbol is a statement that the people must always come first. The party is clear that governance should not be a top-down affair; instead, policies and decisions must originate from the grassroots—from the people in villages, towns, and local communities. A central theme of the symbol is unity in diversity. By including three different gender identities, the party wants to highlight that every citizen—men, women, and transgender individuals—is equally important. According to CAP-S, everyone has equal rights and no one should be left out of Sikkim’s journey toward development.
The Nagrik symbol also promotes a message of simplicity and honesty in politics. All three figures wear similar caps and simple clothes, symbolising that true leaders are not those who seek power but those who serve with discipline, humility, and a sense of duty. A senior party member noted, “The cap is not a sign of status, but of service. We want to change the way people look at leadership.” Finally, the symbol is a quiet nod to the silent strength of the ordinary citizen. While they may not hold big titles, their collective awareness and unity hold the real power to bring about change in a democracy. As the party stated, “The time has come for Sikkim to return to its people. Our symbol is a tribute to the common man and woman—those who work hard, raise families, care for their neighbours, and believe in justice and fairness.”